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MCL Top 5 : Top 5 ways to prepare for fall at Vanderbilt
This weekend October begins! I’ve been listening to “Wake Me Up When September Ends” and checking outside my window every morning to see if the leaves have begun to change color. While fall did officially start on September 22nd this year, it usually doesn’t feel like fall is in full swing until October. Below is a list of top five ways you can start to get in the fall spirit!
1. Go to a pumpkin patch
There’s nothing that says fall is here like a visit to a pumpkin patch! According to one of my friends who’s from Nashville, there are many cute pumpkin patch farms in the area where you can buy a small pumpkin to put on your dorm room desk.
2. Take a walk around campus
I’m already in awe of how beautiful Vanderbilt’s campus is but I cannot wait to see it when fall is truly here. I’m eagerly waiting for campus to look like the photos that Vanderbilt uses in all its brochures. There’s nothing better than noticing the leaves change color little by little as during the daily trek to main campus from commons.
3. Go to a Vanderbilt football game
Attending a football game with friends is the perfect way to spend an October Saturday. Anchor down!!
4. Start planning your halloween costume(s)
I can’t wait for halloween this year! It takes time to put together a good costume, so it’s never too early to start thinking about it, especially if you want to do a fun coordinated costume with friends!
5. Make a halloween playlist
Making a halloween or fall themed playlist to listen to while you study or walk around campus is a great way to make sure you start fall 2022 on the right foot!
Dore-igami
Origami is not necessarily a common hobby that the average person chooses to pick up. I mean besides making paper fortune tellers at recess, there wasn’t much talk about origami. At least that is how it was for me, but not for Linda. The first encounter I had with Linda was at media intensive when she revealed her hidden talent as origami. I remember thinking to myself, “man this is LAMEEE,” of course I kept that to myself. But for the short time that I have befriended Linda, I can for sure say do not judge a book by its cover. Speaking of books, fun fact:
- Her grandmother is actually the one who introduced her to the world of origami. Ever since then, she got an origami book and started to create masterpieces. When I say masterpieces I mean it! Let’s take a look at a few of her creations!
Linda Xu’s Dore-igami
- Peacock: 5 minutes
2. Box: 3 minutes
3. Butterflies: 10 minutes
4. Flower: 5 minutes
5. Crane: 5 minutes
BONUS!!! 3D Swan: 5 days (ayo 5 days?!)
As you can see, she doesn’t just dabble in the typical arts and crafts. Can you imagine folding a paper crane for five days?! She is hands DOWN… no amateur, but I wouldn’t have seen the full extent of origami’s coolness if it weren’t for Linda Xu. Who knows, maybe she could teach me how to fold paper…maybe I’ll find something interesting to do in gen chem instead of being lost 25/8. All jokes of course (I’m lying btw). That’s all from me for this week, Esme out. Also, don’t forget to ANCHOR DOWN BABY!
MCL Quiz – Where you should study on campus based on your favorite Taylor Swift songs
Movie Review: A Quick Take on “Nope” (Spoiler Free)
After hearing my friends make millions of “Nope” references, I finally decided to give the movie a watch at the local Belcourt Theater. I went into the viewing with basically no prior knowledge on the contents of the movie. All I knew was that there were going to be aliens and monkeys. Looking back on it, going into the movie with a blank slate was an amazing decision–one that kept me on my toes throughout the whole film.
If you haven’t watched “Nope” yet, hopefully I can convince you to do so. “Nope” is the perfect mixture of sci-fi, horror, and modern-day Western. As someone who doesn’t typically watch any of these genres, I would say that “Nope” was a great introduction to them. With breathtaking cinematography, “Nope” tells the story of a pair of siblings who are left running a horse farm after the strange death of their father.
With plenty of cultural easter eggs, “Nope” touches on important topics such as the exploitation within the the film industry, racism, and society’s obsession with spectacles. One thing I really liked was the heavy use of symbolism as a medium to discuss these topics.
However, I can’t sit here and act like I wasn’t confused 99.9% of the time. The only reason I’m somewhat able to appreciate the greatness of “Nope” is because of the talk I had with my friends and the dozens of analysis articles I rushed to read post-viewing. Perhaps, a second (or maybe even third) watch would be a good idea.
One thing that I couldn’t help but think every few minutes was, “How does one come up with a plot like this?” The intricacies and fine detail that went into piecing everything together could only be thought of by a genius. And that genius is Jordan Peele. A newbie to Jordan Peele movies, I was left wanting more. If there’s anything I took away from the viewing, it’s that I need to watch “Get Out” and “Us” ASAP!
To sum it all up, this movie is for anyone who appreciates social commentary that take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. I hope you find it just as interesting as I did. Until next time!
MCL Quiz: We’ll Reveal Your Mental Age Based on Your Favorite Characters from these Quintessential High School Movies
We may have left high school behind when we moved in to Vanderbilt, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t still enjoy these classic movies!
MCL Quiz: Decorate a college dorm and we’ll tell you what “Taste of Nashville” restaurant you should go to next!
Commons Cupdate 4/27
On Sunday evening at the Commons Ball, the moment we have all been waiting for finally arrived: the results of the Commons Cup were announced.
And the winner is …… WEST HOUSE!!!!!!!
After winning three of the five Commons Cup categories, West House is the clear winner to the 2021-2022 Commons Cup. North House has been dethroned by their neighbor across the lawn. I cannot think of a better way for West to finish end their centennial anniversary than by claiming the Commons Cup. Congratulations! This year, West House really was the Best House.
Following West, East took second place. Crawford and Sutherland tied for third.
Winners for the different categories were also announced and are as follows:
Community Involvement – West House
Sustainability – West House
Service – West House
Academics – Crawford House
Athletics – Hank Ingram House
The full placement for each house overall and in the five categories has not been published. The Dean of the Ingram Commons Office declined My Commons Life’s request for comment about these rankings.
This competition has been a wild ride, but all things must come to an end. Congratulations to this year’s victors and best of luck to those getting ready to start their Commons journey in the Class of 2026.
Disclaimer: Daniel Sak, the author of this piece, is the Vice President of Hank Ingram House.
Top 5: Things I Will Miss About Commons
All good things must come to an end! I can not believe that our freshman year is practically over! I remember move-in day like it was yesterday: throwing all my Command Strip Hooks in the trash because they couldn’t hold up a single decoration. Going to Walmart with my parents to buy nails to push into the walls. (Shhhhhh…don’t tell OHARE!) Pushing my parents out of the dorm once we were done, and last but not least, looking forward to the new and exciting year ahead. With that being said…let’s take a walk down memory lane!
5. The newness of everything
When you live in a new place on your own for the first time away from your parents, your life changes! Plus, the people you are living with are also excited to make new friends, try new things, and find themselves without things from their past holding them back. It is the most liberating thing. There is nothing like it.
4. Commons itself
From the dining hall options to the many spaces to study, we were all so lucky to have a building like Commons right next door made specifically for us.
3. My Commons Life, duh!!!
Making content for you all has been a dream come true. I am so glad I joined the My Commons Life family when I did. I have received nothing but support from my fellow My Commons Lifers, and for that, I am extremely grateful.
2. Having upperclassmen ask me, “You’re a freshman?!?!?!”
It’s weird when people not that much older than you are surprised with the way you carry yourself. It’s like they expected us to act like children, hahaha! I guess it just proves that we are exceeding people’s expectations, so go us!
1. My dorm!!
My room has been my sanctuary from the storm. From my unbelievably soft bed (thank you mattress topper!), to my view of the Nashville skyline from outside my window, and my floormates who have now become some of my best friends, I AM GOING TO MISS THIS PLACE SO MUCH!
I can confidently say that this has been the best year of my life! Thank you all for making my freshman year one to remember, especially the rest of the My Commons Life family. I will never forget the memories we made together and the fun we had! Years in the future, I will look back on all of this with joy, humor, and fondness. *Thinks to self, “Wow, that was really poetic, Elizabeth!”*
Anyway, I will see EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU next fall! Happy Summer! (:
Love,
Elizabeth
MCL Top 5: Best Parts of Commons Ball!
The best Commons event of the year is finally here — the Botanical Ball is this Sunday, April 24th, from 7:00pm to 10:00pm!
Commons Ball is an annual tradition planned by the Ingram Commons HPAC Presidents. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year marks the first Commons Ball since 2020. A Commons Ball is long overdue, and for many of our current first-year students, we also missed out on landmark dances in high school like prom, homecoming, and formals. With all of these factors combined, the Botanical Ball is a more special, monumental Commons Ball than ever.
One meal swipe is all you need for admission to the Ball. Cocktail attire is suggested, but you are free to come dressed however you feel most comfortable. All Vanderbilt students are welcome, but we are especially excited to extend an enthusiastic invitation to the Class of 2025. We hope to see all of our fellow first-years there!
This event is sure to be a ball (haha, pun intended!). Although there are countless activities and fun aspects to enjoy, I’ve selected the Top 5 things about Commons Ball that you should look forward to:
1. The Presidents’ Dance
I might be biased, but The Presidents’ Dance is sure to be an iconic moment that will go down in Commons history. We’ve been practicing for months, and we’re fully prepared to throw it back on the dance floor. To celebrate the Botanical Ball hosts who have put so much time and effort into making Commons Ball great, come support the presidents as we either embarrass ourselves irreparably or succeed in legendary triumph.
2. Delicious Food
I guarantee you: this will be the best food you will have on Vanderbilt’s campus this year. With shrimp cocktails on an ice sculpture, perfectly crisp bruschetta, savory charcuterie, lively mocktails, a rolling plethora of desserts, and so much more, your taste buds will be transported to a flavorful paradise.
3. Mechanical Bull
Breaking News — a wild bull has invaded the beautiful garden! Although we’ll be enjoying an elegant Botanical Ball, what better way to get your adrenaline pumping than to take on the raving Mechanical Bull? It won’t be easy, but I feel confident that some of our Garden Gallivanters will prevail!
4. Botanical Beaux Arts
If dancing, mini golf, and a mechanical bull aren’t your forte, there will be plenty of opportunities to unleash your creative side with the Botanical Beaux Arts! Commemorate the night by painting a pot and building your own succulent to go inside. Or, you can build a custom mosaic to place in your window and catch sunlight colorfully. If you’re a fan of art but don’t want to create it yourself, check out the caricature artist who will turn your portrait into a masterpiece. No matter your preferred medium, enjoy a garden-themed keepsake to remind you of the Botanical Ball for years to come!
5. Commons Cup Winner Reveal
We’ve been competing all year — from ultimate frisbee to trivia to soda-can tabs… Now, it’s finally time to reveal the winner of the esteemed Commons Cup! Even if your house doesn’t win the whole Commons Cup, perhaps they won in a specific category (Academics, Community Engagement, Service, or Athletics). Alternatively, maybe your house won a superlative or character award. Who knows? I guess you’ll just have to come to Commons Ball on Sunday (April 24th) to find out…
Disclaimer: Devin Laye, the author of this piece, is the President of Murray House and helped plan Commons Ball.